Airbus Military A400M begins cold weather trials in Sweden

Airbus Military's second A400M development aircraft - Grizzly 2 - visited Kiruna in northern Sweden for four days of cold weather trials at the beginning of February.

Airbus Military's second A400M development aircraft - Grizzly 2 - visited Kiruna in northern Sweden for four days of cold weather trials at the beginning of February. The team experienced temperatures down to -21ºC and successfully achieved all the planned test points during a programme that focused on the powerplants. The A400M was accompanied by an Airbus A340-300 carrying support equipment and the personnel team. These tests followed preliminary cold weather work in Hamburg last December and will be followed by further tests in more extreme temperatures at Kiruna and other locations this winter and next.


Airbus Military

Read more...

Brazilian Minister of Defence views first P-3 Orion modernised by Airbus Military

The first P-3 Orion aircraft modified by Airbus Military for the Brazilian Air Force was inspected today by Brazilian Minister of Defence, Nelson Jobim, during his official visit to Spain.

The aircraft is the first of a fleet of nine which will undergo a complete systems modernisation programme, including the installation of Airbus Military´s Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS).

As well as FITS, the aircraft will benefit from a powerful new suite of mission sensors, communications systems, and upgraded cockpit avionics. The engines are being updated and, depending on the condition of each individual aircraft, the structures are being renovated to permit many more years of effective operation.

The Brazilian Air Force will use the aircraft for maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and a range of civic missions including economic exclusion zone enforcement and search and rescue.

Airbus Military

Read more...

CASSIDIAN completes prototype test flights in Harrier modernisation programme

       * The Spanish Navy's Harrier AV8B aircraft went through a test flight programme at Cassidian Spain's facilities in San Pablo (Seville)
       * Handover to the Spanish Navy will take place on completion of the modification certification process
       * CASSIDIAN is the new name of EADS Defence & Security

The prototype aircraft in the Harrier Upgrade programme for the Spanish Navy has completed its test flight programme and is now at the Rota Naval Base facilities.

The programme to upgrade the configuration of the Navy's Harrier AV8B aircraft includes, among other modifications, the installation of the 408A engine and the implementation of improvements to the structure and avionics systems, as well as the incorporation of various Technical Directives and SDLM/AGE third level maintenance.

The rest of the aircraft covered by this contract is presently at the San Pablo facilities undergoing various stages of implementation of the modifications.

Enrique Barrientos, CEO of Cassidian Spain, comments: "Our most important objective is to meet our customer's needs. This is a milestone in the Harrier Upgrade programme and an example of our commitment to the Spanish Navy relating to the sustainment and operational support of its fixed-wing aircraft, as well as the development of new capabilities to enhance our service."

Cassidian

Read more...

The New 747-8 Intercontinental: Live Webcast Feb 13, 2011 @19:00GMT

We are reproducing an e-mail received from Boeing:

The new 747-8 Intercontinental premiere is just days away! In the final week before the event, we've added pictures highlighting the performance of the new 747-8 Intercontinental. The innovative GEnx-2B engines, advanced wing and lighter alloys are just a few of the exciting features of the 747-8 – the world's most efficient airplane. Please continue to "Share your 747 moments with us." We have received many memorable entries and are eager to hear yours. Later this week, we will post some of these submissions – so check back soon! Join us on http://www.newairplane.com/747/incredible/ for the latest news about the new 747-8 Intercontinental premiere. Visit the website to watch the event live on Feb. 13, 2011, at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (19:00 GMT). For updates and event coverage, follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/boeingairplanes/. Thank you. Sincerely, Boeing

Read more...